Parents Disappointed as Thames Valley School Board Ends Specialized Learning Program at West London Elementary

Some parents at a west London elementary school are disappointed with the Thames Valley District School Board’s decision to wind down the APPLE (Alternative Parent Participation Learning Experience) program, which allows parents to play a direct role in classroom learning. TVDSB announced that starting in September, the program will no longer accept new enrolments. The APPLE program, which began in the mid-1980s at Brick Street Public School and later moved to Arthur Ford Public School, initially required parent volunteers to work 10 hours a week in the classroom. This unique learning model allows parents to actively shape classroom learning while following the TVDSB curriculum. However, the program has faced challenges regarding equity and compliance with recent privacy and collective agreement regulations. Some parents felt that APPLE students had more field trips and learning opportunities, leading to a sense of exclusion for other students. Additionally, the requirement of 10 volunteer hours a week posed difficulties for some families. While the program will be discontinued, the TVDSB emphasizes that active parent involvement is still encouraged at all schools. Despite the disappointment expressed by some parents, the school board believes that their decision will help address equity concerns and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.